It is perhaps difficult to prioritise which is our most precious sense. The loss of any can be devastating, writes Dr. Zak Uddin.

Hearing loss is increasing both in the UK and worldwide. Figures advise that by 2050 the number of those with problematic hearing loss will have increased from 1 in 5 to 1 in 10. It may be assumed that a degree of hearing loss is inevitable as we get older, yet the condition affects those at all ages, from birth onward.

The ear itself can be divided into three parts, outer, middle and inner. Sound is captured by the outer ear and directed down the ear canal to the drum. This can be thought of like a speaker cone. This vibrates in response to sound. The middle ear consists of three bones, which increase the strength of these vibrations. The vibrations then pass into the inner ear. Known as the cochlea, this resembles a snail’s shell. Filled with fluid, it contains thousands of tiny hair cells. When they move, they convert the sound into electrical signals. The auditory nerve takes these signals to the brain, where they are interpreted.

There are many causes of hearing loss. During pregnancy, maternal infection with rubella or cytomegalovirus may put the unborn child at risk. Recurrent ear infections in childhood may contribute. Parental smoking increases the chance of all childhood illnesses, including hearing conditions. Some antibiotics are known to cause hearing loss. Untreated wax is now recognised as an issue. Thanks to public health campaigns, most are aware that repeated exposure to loud noises is to be avoided. This may occur in the workplace, or recreationally, for example loud music. The WHO estimates a billion young people are at risk of permanent, avoidable hearing loss due unsafe listening. Cotton wool buds can damage the delicate structures of the ear and should never be used to remove wax.

Hearing loss, irrespective of its severity, is much more than just struggling in conversation, or having to ask others to repeat themselves.

Described as a “hidden illness”, statistics show sufferers are less likely to do well both at school and in the workplace. It is associated with much greater rates of unemployment and several million lost days of work annually.

Like any disability, reduced hearing and deafness are linked with increased levels of anxiety, depression and social isolation.

In a similar way that cataracts are linked to a greater likelihood of dementia, the same has been observed in those with hearing loss. Although not proved as direct cause and effect, the more severe the hearing loss, the higher the incidence of dementia. It seems that signals from the outside world are vital in maintaining cognitive function.

The World Health Organisation estimates that 60% of hearing loss, in both children and adults, is preventable.

One of the most important aspects is recognising hearing loss and acting upon it promptly.

Greater uptake of standard vaccines might reduce the number of babies born with hearing loss. Ear infections should not be ignored. If a child is noticed to be struggling to hear, either at school or home, a hearing test will rapidly identify any issue.

Any sudden loss of hearing in either one, or both ears, should be treated as a medical emergency, in the same way that you would sight loss.

Yet, the treatment of hearing loss is a rapidly developing field, from ever smaller hearing aids to more powerful cochlear implants.

A very exciting recent development, led by researchers at the University of Manchester, is a test which can rapidly show if a baby has the genetic susceptibility to deafness with the antibiotic gentamycin.

Gentamycin is a powerful antibiotic, used in the most unwell, ideally within the first hour. However, roughly one in 500 babies has the gene that makes them susceptible to deafness if they receive the antibiotic.

Previously, it took significantly longer to find out a baby had the gene. The new test, a simple bedside swab, can return a result in 25 minutes, well within the “golden hour”.

It is estimated that this could save the hearing of 180 babies in England alone, every year.

Deaf Awareness Week is taking place from May 2 to 8 2022.

l Hearing loss is increasing both in the UK and worldwide

l Hearing loss, irrespective of its severity, is much more than just struggling in conversation, or having to ask others to repeat themselves.

lAny sudden loss of hearing in either one, or both ears, should be treated as a medical emergency, in the same way that you would sight loss.

Useful websites

https://rnid.org.uk/

https://www.hearinglink.org/

https://actionfordeafness.org.uk/